TOP FIVE VENUES

BLUEBELL LAKES, PETERBOROUGH, CAMBS

Kingfisher is the go-to water at this complex for me as it holds a big head of 30lb and 40lb-plus carp. At this time of year I would be looking to catch them over small patches of bait and traps in the margins.

Surface fishing is also a brilliant tactic on here during the summer.

Contact: 01832 226042 Postcode: PE8 5HP

LINEAR FISHERIES, WITNEY, OXFORDSHIRE

Manor Farm is one of my favourite waters at Linear and holds some very special 40lb-plus carp. I like to bait it heavily with a mix of hemp, corn and chopped boilies.

Contact: 07885 327708 Postcode: OX29 7QF

HORSESHOE LAKE, LECHLADE, GLOUCESTERSHIRE

This is another water which holds some very special carp, but fish that are not necessarily as large as the other venues mentioned here.

It’s a water I like to bait heavily, with big beds of particles being the best way to stop the fish in their tracks as they navigate around this large lake.

Contact: 01367 253959 Postcode: GL7 3QQ

ORCHID LAKES, DORCHESTER ON THAMES, OXFORDSHIRE

This lake is awesome because pretty much any method can work here and you really have to keep your eyes open and chop and change to keep the bites coming. It’s known as the ‘Home of the Thirties’ for a very good reason – the carp in here are huge.

Contact: 01865 341810 Postcode: OX10 7LP

LINCH HILL FISHERY, WITNEY, OXFORDSHIRE

These carp are absolutely stunning and worthy of anyone’s photo album.

In summer the best way to catch them is by fishing over particles on clearer areas.

Don’t rule out surface fishing with pellets or mixers either, because on its day this tactic can be deadly.

Contact: 01865 882215 Postcode: OX29 5BB